A reception on Aug. 31 celebrated the 2,147 current and retired faculty and staff members who donated to the University of Georgia in fiscal year 2017. These donors collectively contributed more than $5.4 million to the Commit to Georgia Campaign’s record-breaking fundraising year.

“I am especially grateful for the increased participation of our faculty, staff, and retirees this year in contributing to the advancement of this great institution,” said President Jere W. Morehead. “You are helping us expand the reach and impact of UGA to levels never before imagined.”

The goal of the Commit to Georgia Campaign is to raise $1.2 billion by 2020 to increase scholarship support, to enhance the learning environment, and to solve the grand challenges facing society. Since the campaign began in 2012, private donations have created 57 new endowed chair and professorship positions. Also, more than $122.9 million has been raised to support research at the university.

Many faculty and staff donors choose to contribute to the areas on campus that matter most to them.

“I enjoy supporting the students, departments, and activities that I teach and participate in as a professor at UGA for almost 30 years,” said Dr. Janice Simon, Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Associate Professor of Art History in the Lamar Dodd School of Art. “It is an institution that I have dedicated my career to and so in addition to my time and talent, I give some of my treasure.”